Weirton City Council

Special Session

A Special Meeting of the Common Council of the City of Weirton, Brooke and Hancock Counties was held on January 23, 2002 at 5:30 p.m. in Council's Chamber.

Councilmembers in attendance: Charlie Mitchell, D.J. Minella, John Moore, George Ash, George Kondik, David Cline and Christopher Fletcher.

City officials in attendance: Valerie Means, Melissa Farley, Joe Cicchirillo, Chief Ralph Fletcher, Chief Kessler Cole, Joe DiBartolomeo, Rod Rosnick, Brae Bryant, Dan Mastrantoni and Beth Gaughn.

Mayor Dean M. Harris led the Pledge of Allegiance.

A motion was made by Councilmember Minella, second by Councilmember Fletcher to allow for citizens remarks. This passed 7-0, so ordered.

There were no remarks.

A motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Moore to authorize ordinance 1335 to enter into agreement with Brooke County Commission for E911 land line service fee. This passed 7-0, so ordered. Councilmember Cline attended the West Virginia Municipal League Conference, saying it was discussed with the Senator about not getting the wireless fees and the structure of the legislature; the legislators were asked to express the city's concerns to the county the next time the city has contact with them. This passed 7-0, so ordered.

A motion was made by Councilmember Minella, second by Councilmember Ash to adopt a resolution to enter into agreement with Otis Elevator Company for installation of Lambda 3D entrance protection device for the City Building elevator for $1800. Joe Cicchirillo explained to Councilmember Moore the open/close mechanism wore out. This passed 7-0, so ordered.

A motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Minella to adopt a resolution to enter into a lease/purchase agreement with Stevens Auto Center, Danville, WV in the amount of $21,003.00 for a 2002 full package police cruiser utilizing state bid procedures and prices. This passed 7-0, so ordered.

It was discussed that Cicchirillo requested this removed from the agenda.

A motion was made by Councilmember Cline, second by Councilmember Minella for an ordinance to authorize the city manager to enter into an agreement with Steuben Realty Company for the purchase of real property located at 240 Cove Road in the amount of $286,250.00. Cicchirillo explained to Councilmember Ash that $286,000 isn't the total amount but the price of the property and they're trying for assistance from the national guard; development costs aren't completed. He responded to Councilmember Mitchell that paving would cost about $300,000; $10,000 for striping; $24,000 for lighting; and there isn't much asbestos, it might cost $10,000. Rod Rosnick agreed there wasn't much but won't know the cost until all reports are returned.

Cicchirillo explained to Ash that $150,000 is from the general fund; $136,000 from the Hancock County commissioners. He couldn't discuss the grant he's working on but it's not CDBG money. Harris explained it's an important project for both counties that would make state offices available. He explained Cicchirillo, Senator Bowman and he are exploring funding to demolish the building and build a parking lot. Ash asked if it could be verbally agreed CDBG money wouldn't be used. Cicchirillo stated not currently being interested in CDBG because it would require Davis Bacon and cost an additional $5,000. Harris explained state agencies phone weekly for office space and to check on the progress of acquiring the property. He explained negotiating the property for five years.

Councilmember Moore asked if the Kusic property on Main Street is involved in the negotiations and if the city is demolishing the property. Cicchirillo said it is involved but the city isn't responsible for that demolition but any clean fill from it can be brought here; there's no cost to the city. Moore said Weirton Steel was interested in the road behind the Lumber building. Harris explained small pick-up trucks use it to access the railway and Weirton Steel had interest in extending the road to Freedom Way. He said its not a part of the negotiations. He said it would take the trucks off of Main Street but the railway is the problem. He couldn't say if WSX would be interested later. Moore asked about a parking garage. Cicchirillo said it's $4,000 a parking space; 200 spaces are $800,000; he would find out if its cost-prohibitive. Because of the city's expenses to acquire the property and make a parking facility, the city would get 4,000 square feet of offices for the police dept. at no charge as the initial negotiations.

Ash said Joe DiBartolomeo is the escrow agent, asking if all the taxes have been researched. DiBartolomeo said he wanted to see if council showed an interest in the first reading, saying it needs researched, there's a lien and the title will be researched; there will be a prorate of taxes. DiBartolomeo further explained the lien would cost the property owner. Harris said to Moore that the property to acquire is fenced. Councilmember Fletcher asked if DiBartolomeo could certify the clean title as city solicitor. DiBartolomeo said yes and title insurance will be purchased. Fletcher thanked those involved with the project. A roll call vote was taken with a yes is in favor of the ordinance, a no is opposed: Councilmember Kondik Yes

Councilmember Cline Yes

Councilmember Fletcher Yes

Councilmember Mitchell Yes

Councilmember Minella Yes

Councilmember Moore No

Councilmember Ash Yes

This passed first reading by a 6-1 vote.

A motion was made by Councilmember Cline, second by Councilmember Minella for an ordinance to amend ordinance 1313, establishing the salaries of the municipal employees of the various departments of the city of Weirton general fund (Development Director: minimum of $39,339.18; maximum of $44,941.35.) Cicchirillo explained to Councilmember Fletcher asked if any questions should be discussed in executive session. Cicchirillo explained it could. Councilmember Ash said according to a memo, the city is saving $2700 a year by accepting the amendment. Cicchirillo agreed the city would save money for hiring the individual and compensating him for not accepting the hospitalization like the county did. Cline said at the last executive session, he had the most concern but intended to vote in favor. This passed 7-0, so ordered.

Mayor Harris informed he wasn't prepared to make an appointment, saying Capt. Mike Gordon would assume the duties and hopefully he could fill the position next month.

Harris commented Chief Ralph Fletcher was leaving his command, thanking him for all the work he had done, training programs and following much civic responsibility. A luncheon would be held on Friday, noon at Gio's for Chief Fletcher, cake at 2:00 p.m. in the briefing room.

Councilmember Cline had attended an election seminar, saying due to federal elections the city must comply with the absentee voting time frames. He had distributed the information. He said changes are needed. He requested a work session since the changes would involve the City Charter. He commented being told election laws are changing today and probably will change every cycle because of what happened in Florida for the Presidential Election.

Councilmember Moore requested a copy of the census report.

Harris commented a work session would be held to discuss these issues. Councilmember Fletcher requested the dates be established since he has a busy schedule.

Councilmember Ash wouldn't be able to attend the Traffic Commission meeting and hoped Farley would inform them that he doesn't favor the fire dept.'s request for one side parking on the 3200 block of Elm. He said a fire truck was taken through there before and fit. He doesn't have a problem with parking on the sidewalks unless a city dept. has a problem with it; one-side parking eliminates parking spaces. Chief Cole clarified the firemen made the report after answering two emergency calls and having to take the equipment off the truck and down a block and a half. He said the firemen have said vehicles from Ohio are parked there. He said a test run was made on Elm but these incidents happened at night. He said all of Elm Street is a problem for the fire dept.

With no further business before this, the January 23, 2002 Special Session of the Common Council of the City of Weirton, the meeting was adjourned at 6:05 p.m.